Final Chapter - This Is A Part When You Are Leaving.
"Are you ok?"
Marm is in a dark room, there is girl sitting in the room corner, her face is covered by the beautiful long blonde hair. Somehow Marm feels so wrong. The girl is not happy, she is hurting herself with a knife.
As an instinct, Marm stops the girl. And out of suddenly, the knife aims on Marm, stabbing her continuously. The last thing Marm can remember is seeing the knife into her tummy.
"No... don't hurt my baby!" Marm is freaked out and gets up.
Their room is in a complete darkness, it should be three or four in the morning. Hyunkel is still asleep, holding her in his arms with a extreme care to not touch her wound.
Marm leans closer and listens to Hyunkel's heartbeats, calming herself down. Nothing to panic, it's just a dream.
...
They are walking around the morning marketplace of Papunika downtown area. It's a perfect timing for a colourful picture that Leona wants to view.
Normally, their day would start differently, she would swim for at least half an hour and he would have a training for at least two hours with Hyunkel.
The attack happened to Leona has changed such habits. For the next six months or more, Leona will not be able to do any heavy exercise. She has to attend daily therapy, medical scanning, medications.
"The story of how Papunika established starts with our mother river, Papunika river that we are seeing. It is this place that my ancestors landed and founded the kingdom. No matter how long and how great Papunika's history is, to me, everything's grown where it is planted, it is here." Her voice is soft enough for only him to hear. The river lies beautifully along the market and is a strong connection to the place as well as many other important locations of Papunika. She knows Larhalt has already noticed this.
"From a fishing village to become one of the richest and busiest hub in the world, Papunika is fortunate to have visionary leaderships." Larhalt says.
She smiles at him and continues walking.
"Those are success stories of my ancestors and past generations of Papunika. I'm inspired by them. I grew up with ideas rooted in my mind that everything must be planned and done for next generations. I have not developed much emotional attachment to children, but I know, everything we build today is for them. And they must be inspired the same."
He nods. "You are right, we should never look at things for short term and never stop working, I mean, as a whole nation. See how busy and energetic these people are, in such an early morning!"
"Beautiful culture." Leona can't be prouder. "In many perspectives, traders in this market are much more hardworking than me. I'd rather use this hour for morning exercise."
"I'm glad you are not that workaholic."
"I'd remain my lifestyle that way." She looks at him. "Larhalt, what do you think about the monarchy system?"
"It's going well in Papunika. However, I think competition and freedom to vote reflect more of human rights."
Leona bursts into smiles. "How do you get this idea?"
"I grew up in an environment that hardly any option was given to my mother and myself. Competition is what made me stronger and better. When your story is attached to this beautiful river and culture of Papunika, my story began that way. It's where such an idea originated."
"If I'm sharing your view about government system in Papunika, will you support me?"
"You know my vow, Leona." He answers, but he is indeed surprised. "The current system is working well under your leadership, I can never imagine you would like to change it."
Leona holds his hand tightly. "The idea comes to my mind after the attack my cousin and her father aimed on me. I wondered what is the rationale that makes me a Queen of Papunika and not her, as well as not anyone else? When my children are born, why are they fated to take such a responsibility, or in the contrary, will they be deserved?"
"I get it." He can feel that Leona's hand is getting cold, "But you are not quitting ruling Papunika, aren't you?"
"I want an official shared responsibility. I want a separated ruling party that is selected by people's choice, and share my responsibility in leading Papunika."
...
"Awww... What a good morning!" Avan is in the best mood, enjoys his favourite coffee.
"Sensei, can't believe you are able to do grocery shopping every early morning no matter where you are." Marm looks at the fresh farm pick placed on the table, impressed.
"Each country has a different rhythm of life. Most rhythms are at its best in early morning market. That's why Fufu and I have such a hobby. In addition, where else can you get such fresh local products?" The sensei is happy.
"What a coincidence! We also went to the market this morning. These are for you, Marm." Menruru and Pop walks into the garden, joining the breakfast table.
"Orange, peaches, strawberry...?"
"Good sources of Folic, vitamin A, vitamin C , perfect for a mom to be. You have a responsibility to deliver a cute baby...for us to play with." Pop laughs.
"Cool! Since when are you guys fond of babies?"
"Not really. We want to observe first." Menruru bursts into a smile.
"Menruru, you are a paediatrician, don't you love babies genuinely?"
"Because I'm a paediatrician, so I... Imagine you serve coffee everyday, and when you get home, will you still want to have a coffee?"
"Take your time, Menru and Pop. But for coffee, especially Romos coffee like this one, I will not say No." Avan finishes the cup.
"From Romos? Does everything in your life need to be from Romos?" Pop asks Hyunkel.
"I'm not a fan of Papunika coffee."
"Because you are picky." Marm comments. She means something else, only for Hyunkel to understand.
He smiles at her. "Whatever you say, Marm. Still we have to go to the medical household this afternoon."
"Hmm? Isn't it just a physical wound?" The sensei asks.
"I put multiple heal spells to hide the wound at Leona's birthday banquet last night. The wound is no longer visible now and can't be examined properly." Marm admits.
"Does it pain?"
"Not that tremendous."
"Even so, you'd better have a check up as soon as possible."
"Are we going there, too, Avan? To visit Leona?" Furora asks.
"We saw her in the market this morning, they were at another side of the river. She is so pale." Pop recalls.
"They?"
"L&L, Leona and Larhalt. They dressed casually, but didn't seem to buy anything."
...
"The Royal Physician complains that Marm overuses heal spells for the treatment." Furora updates to Avan what was going on in the caring unit. Marm is requested to stay until she is fully received. Home treatment is no longer approved by the medical team.
"How serious is it?"
"Not too bad, but worse than it originally was. And because Marm is carrying a baby, they can't inject any type of medicines anyhow. Poor Marm most probably has to endure all pains by herself."
"Can I come in to see her now?"
"Perhaps after a while. Marm and Hyunkel are having an argument inside. You know, young couple problem."
"What... what problem? They have just engaged."
"Should be fine. Avan, don't worry. Let's visit Leona first and come back to see Marm."
Avan and Furora purposely pass by Marm's room to poke in before walking away. There is something warm and peaceful they can feel from the chemistry created by the young couple, even like what Furora said, they are having an argument.
"You are right. They can communicate with each other." Avan is released.
"Of course they can!" Furora smiles. "They are perfect for each other."
"Now you support their relationship. What have changed you, Fufu?"
"I never go against their relationship. I was just worried that Marm doesn't understand Hyunkel and his dark power. Yet after all stories you told me, I know it's only my own imagination."
"Great. You have already had so many things to take care of, my dear. For Hyunkel and Marm, I worry for them, too. But in the end. It's their responsibility and commitment. They need to take care of themselves and what we can do is to support them. At least now they are engaged, which is a good progress."
"Agree." Furora nods. And they continue walking along the medical house hold toward the Queen's unit. "How about Leona? What do you think about her relationship with Larhalt?"
"Awww... Leona..." Avan sighs. "Leona is not only my student, she is a Queen of Papunika. She grew up independently and brilliantly, I trust her choice. That's what I feel."
"Feel? You seldom feel, Avan."
"Darling, if you used to worry about Hyunkel's dark magic, how about Larhalt, he is half human and half demon."
"What?"
"I thought you know?"
"I'm... not aware of this. Does Leona know?"
"Of course she knows. How many times do they joke about his dark power?"
"So what? I thought that's because he has a similar background as Hyunkel."
"Ok. In general, what I mean is, it doesn't matter that Larhalt is a mixed blood. If they can find a chemistry and they genuinely look at the same direction, then they have the right to love. All of us can't choose our origins, so I don't find it a barrier for Leona and Larhalt."
"Avan..." Furora looks at her husband, speechless. And she leans onto him, continues the walk.
"But Leona is a Queen. Gosh... I still see lots of barriers for them."
"Let them face it, let them face it when it comes, my dear." Avan calms Furora down. "I know there will be challenges for both of them, so we don't freak them out, ok? Just be by their sides."
"Ok..."
When they steps in Leona's unit, they are informed by Apolo that the Queen is having a meeting with High Court Judge of Papunika.
...
"In Papunika, the Queen's authority is ultimate. Her Majesty has the right and power to sentence any criminal. In this case, it's a man named Leon, his daughter Ella and six tourists with various nationalities. However, Her Majesty delegates this to the High Court."
Leona is determined to file a case against the attackers. Many of her friends will be called by the High Court as witnesses.
The first jury is scheduled to be in five days time, due to its seriousness.
Barristers of the Queen start explaining the legal procedure. No matter how much he tries, Pop can't stay concentrated for more than ten minutes hearing about law processes. The remaining friends can survive the whole two hours, kind of.
It has been a more than five years since the first time Leona stepped into prison of Papunika. She was a crowned princess at that time.
Today, Leona is paying a visit to Leon, spouse of her late aunt, the man who is determined to kill her.
Ella is Leona's only blood related person in this world. From the bottom of her heart, Leona has no intention to impose any punishment on Ella. For Leon, Leona finds it impossible to give him any mercy. The emotions and confusions, sympathy and anger inside Leona convince her that the decision is right. Papunika should be monitored by proper legal procedures, not by judgemenf of a Queen.
Leona eyes on Leon as he is walking to the visitor area. In a prisoner uniform, he looks much older than the last time she saw him. There used to be a very generous smile in his face, and a positive energy from him that represent typical working class of Papunika. Today, only hatred and anger are shown.
"Thanks for such a valuable visit, my niece."
"Don't fool yourself. You don't have any legal commitment with my late aunt." Leona's voice is soft as a breeze of wind.
"What? What are you saying?" He looks at Leona, eyes opened wide.
The Queen of Papunika is at the same age as his daughter, however, there is a huge gap between them in term of intelligence. When Leona delegated a High Court to take responsibility of the case, he knew he had underestimated her. Leona is using the High Court to manipulate Papunika government and public. He is sure the High Court is set up to just carry her orders.
Being a spouse of Papunika late royal princess gives him justifications for the attack and rights to inherit parts of the country. If he lost this recognition, he lost everything. Their marriage was formalised with proper documentation. How does Leona void it?
"Brat, what have you done?"
"You should ask yourself that question."
"My marriage is official, I have documents to prove it."
"My late aunt fell in love with somebody." Leona looks into his eyes and tells him. "Having no support from the Royal family for the relationship, she left the palace and followed him to his hometown."
"We did get married there! I have a marriage certificate!"
"No one knows what happened to this relationship of my late aunt after that."
"We got married and lived happily!"
Leona doesn't bother, she continues, "One year later, my late aunt came back to the palace with a baby girl. I acknowledge the baby is her only daughter. There is a chance Ella is that baby girl, a medical check will be conducted for the verification."
"A same medical check can be done for Ella and I, that will be enough to prove I'm Ella's father."
"Even if you are Ella's father, Papunika's law doesn't recognise you as an official spouse of late princess Akari."
"I have a marriage certificate, are you dumb, brat?" The man is shouting out loud, losing his temper.
"I believe you have one. Your barrister have submitted it to the High Court. To tell you the truth, your marriage certificate doesn't prove that you marry Princess Akari of Papunika, my late aunt. The certificate is between you and Ms Akari."
"That's Akari, your aunt!"
"That's not." Leona shakes her head. "A marriage certificate of a Papunika princess must state her royal title. The wedding of a Papunika princess must be ministered by an appointed officer, who is selected by Papunika senior counsellors. None of these exists in the marriage that you are mentioning. Your marriage has nothing related to Papunika royal family! It shows in the certificate that way. It happened that way. You marry a woman name Akari. You never marry late princess Akari."
"Arggghhhhh..." Leon screams and bangs his head to the prison cell. The prison guards need quite an effort to stop him and keep him away from hurting himself.
"Too bad..." Leona walks closer to him. "You are not a good person."
The man is surprised to see sadness in Leona's eyes.
"Things could have ended up better." Leona tells him and leaves.
...
A month has passed since the first jury took place. The case has come to an end. Leon receives a life sentence and Ella is sentenced for fifteen years.
Winter approaches Papunika at its doorstep. Temperatures become much lower, it's a peak period for almost all industries in Papunika before year end, the kingdom is busier than ever.
In an attempt to mitigate the loss of Papunika's well-known seaside icon, Trilda Pavillion, which was set on fire by Leon and Ella, the Building and Construction Authority of Papunika commissions a conservation management plan. They have gone through several designs but in the end, seeing the burned Pavilion under a beautiful sunset of Trilda beach, Hyunkel tells Leona and the team, "We have already had one design, the original."
And his recommendation is agreed immediately.
The reconstructed pavilion replicates the unique original design and therefore recovers the aesthetic significance of the former building. Leona can't agree more.
...
Winter is all around Papunika, the kingdom is still busy, a lot of events, discussions, conferences are going on for Papunika leaders, causing them headaches, stresses, arguments, challenges... Regardless of a hectic role and a body that is in recovery process, Leona remains her favourite lifestyle.
Afternoons of Papunika usually witness dates of a young couple. They are perfect walking next to each other, making beautiful highlights for places they go to: Titika town, beaches, Trilda port, Central park, riverside, marketplace, city hall, downtown area...
Leona is gorgeous with her sky blue eyes, flawless skin and body of a model. Larhalt looks great in his winter outfit and a tall athletic build. They are not merely on romantic dates, they are also observing lives in Papunika. They are in a same direction for the foundation of a civil party that is capable of representing public's voices and sharing responsibilities with the Queen, current ultimate leader of Papunika.
"My mother is a beautiful princess living in the castle. When I was young, I wanted to be just like her." Leona tells Larhalt when they view the sunset together. To Leona, it's wonderful to be kept warm in his arms and have a hot chocolate at the same time, while enjoying the orange sky.
"You are missing Ella..."
Leona leans toward him, bursts into a smile. "The childhood dream is always a sweet one, yet it seldom comes true, doesn't it?"
"I dreamed to be a dragon knight, and I became one."
"Lucky you."
"Princess and knight, we were so stereotyped." He smiles at her.
"Now we are not. I'm a Queen, and you have multiple jobs. It's good that your income is higher than mine." She giggles.
"Another stereotype. I don't mind if your income is higher."
"You will just be naturally interested in business, in investments. You do whatever you want to do, but don't play monopoly games in Papunika. You can play it in Benga." She looks at him cunningly.
"Good idea..." He nods.
And they laugh together.
The wind of winter blows, telling her that she needs more warmth. Leona leans closer to him and has him embrace her fully.
"Ella should have grown up in Papunika palace as a princess just like me. It's not her fault that her father took her away after the death of my aunt. I even forgot her existence during years."
"Many wrong things happened in the past have already become the truths. How we take them in the time being will change their futures." He holds her hands in his. "You have to forget the idea that you are related to any misfortune happened in Ella's life. You were just a child when she was taken away from the palace. Your ways and hers were split a long time ago. Nobody can say that you are fortunate to grow up as a princess of Papunika, all know you work hard and smart to fulfil your role. When Ella is released, your pathways will cross each other again, if you find it should be that way."
"I love you." She says softly and smiles at him.
And they exchange a sweet and delicate kiss.
"I will recognise the princess title for Ella. That belongs to her." Leona tells Lafhalt.
"And she will be the first princess in this world that is imprisoned?"
"Yes. Equality before the law."
"Agree." He kisses her forehead and embraces her tighter. "We should view the sunset from the coffee premise. It's getting too cold for you now."
"But I like it here." She giggles.
"You always prefer ways that are less safe."
"What do you mean? You prefer it that way, too." Leona murmurs.
Seeing her blushed cheeks, he realises what is in her mind. "I don't mean that. I refer to your decision, your thinking, and now you make me only thinking about our preference." He shakes his head.
"I bet you think about it several times a day." Leona wraps her hands around his neck and plays with his hair.
"Not only several times." He admits before kissing her deeply.
"Larhalt..."
"Yes?"
"Show me your demon transformation."
"You have seen me in that form, when we first met."
"I know, but I don't remember."
"Look here."
And she looks at him.
He is quite a handsome demon who has a typical pairs of demon ears and rather pale skin. His body build has no difference from the human form. The gleams in his hazel eyes are the same. Leona kisses him, feeling happy when realising how unchanged their feelings are.
"Which is your true form, the human or the demon?" Leona cups his face in her hands.
"Both of them. I'm a mixed." He smiles. "What is your preference?"
"No preference" Leona shakes her head in a cute way. "But...I want to try with the demon form, sometimes." Her cheeks are blushed, she admits shyly.
"Hey, Leona, Larhalt!"
It's a familiar voice, and they recognise Pop and Menruru are in another side of bridge.
"I'm going to be a father! Menruru is having my baby!" Pop shouts out loud until all passengers can hear, but the dad and mom to be don't bother attention they create to the crowd. They are definitely flying over the moon.
"Congrats!" Leona shouts back and Larhalt gives them a thumb up.
Then they quickly cross the bridge to meet up with Pop and Menru.
"Wonderful news!"
"You guys surprise me! Didn't you concern about timing and all?" Larhalt laughs.
"We have a lot of free time when being in Papunika, so..." Pop honestly admits when Menruru gets so shy.
"Let's have a celebrate drink inside the bar. Call Hyunkel and Marm to join us!" Pop says. "Yay! We have to announce the news to Avan sensei, dad and mom, grandma, Matoriv, Crocodile... too."
When Larhalt is getting drinks for them and Pop is busy on the phone, Menru finds it the best time to tell Leona the future that she saw in the birthday banquet.
"You look so worried, Menruru, what happened? Where are the beautiful smiles you have just now?" Leona asks.
"You future in a few years time has crossed my mind, I still remember parts of it."
"Is it what worries you? Is it a bad one?"
Menru nods. "In a few years time_"
Leona covers Menru's mouth, stopping her friend from revealing anything.
"Why, Leona?"
"The person I really love has just told me, many wrong things happened in the past have already become the truths. The way we deal with them in the present will change their futures. I definitely agree with him on this. So, I will choose to go through that bad future when it arrives, make it my past and change its own fate."
"You believe you can do that?"
"Yes. And I will not be alone, I know."
Menruru hugs Leona. "Thanks for giving me another perspective to view the matter. I'm quite released now, Leona."
"Is that why you have been worried for months?"
"Yes... so I eat a lot, and I have lots of sex with Pop... so he fathers the baby sooner than our plan."
Leona can't stop laughing. "Love you, Menru! But I won't take responsibility of this, ok?"
"Marm and Hyunkel, you are late! Here are drinks of punishment. Hyunkel, will you drink for Marm?" Pop greets the friends from the doorstep.
"There are only drinks for congratulations tonight, no punishment." Marm says, "Congrats guys!"
"The dad-to-be must drink the most." Leona laughs.
"Two dads-to-be here."
"Perhaps three, who knows!"
"Hey, shut up..."
Many and many years later, Leona still remembers, the winter of Papunika that year was freezing, but everybody felt so warm.
...
"Are you ok?"
Marm is in a dark room, there is girl sitting in the room corner, her face is covered by the beautiful long blonde hair. Somehow Marm feels so wrong. The girl is not happy, she is hurting herself with a knife.
As an instinct, Marm stops the girl. And out of suddenly, the knife aims on Marm, stabbing her continuously. The last thing Marm can remember is seeing the knife into her tummy.
Marm gets up, freaked out, panicking and trembling.
She has this dream repeated every night for the past one month. Up to now, her wound has recovered well and pains are gone, but the fear that life of her baby will be taken away has become a real obsession.
So Marm is here today, prisoner for women, to question Ella.
"I know why are you coming. The dream is bothering you, isn't it?"
"Why does it keep repeating? Is it a..."
"Yes, Marm, it's a curse." Ella nods. "The short sword of Papunika that I used is cursed by my father. I'm sorry, I needed to stab you to escape. I...couldn't remember that the sword is cursed."
Marm is stunned. Her heart seems to be frozen, and then broken into pieces.
"Why curse on my child?"
Ella is surprised. "Your dream shows it happens that way? Perhaps the curse can't touch you because of your magic power, are you a mage? So it targets on a more vulnerable living being. I regret to say there is no way to avoid such tradegy."
"I don't believe this." Marm shakes her head, feeling difficult to breathe.
"Or... there is! Yes, there is... kind of."
"What is it? Tell me!"
...
In the last month of the year, among the winter season of pure white snows, an engagement party of Marm and Hyunkel is organised beautifully in Mic Dazel resort. The gorgeous couple receive blessings and congratulations from hundreds of guests.
Snowflakes are romantically flying outside the windows, the sky is lighted up by thousands of stars, the ballroom is enchanted with sparkling crystal lights, silver and white with crystal accents has added serious glamour to the night, all make it one of the most glamourous parties ever in Papunika winter.
Hyunkel, in the tailored white suit, is at his best look ever and Marm, even in the middle of the second trimester, shows up like a goddess in her chiffon maxi dress that reveals parts of her beautiful legs, long and slender, her breasts, plump and perky. Marm's gorgeous face and angelic smiles are breathtaking, her fiancé can't take his eyes away from her.
They have a fun party till late night with family, friends, colleagues, partners. Hyunkel takes all drinks for Marm. They kiss alot, by forces of guests and by their own passions.
"I can't wait seeing you in the wedding gown and walking to me along the aisle." His arm wraps around her body and he is caressing her beautiful face. They are still in the party, guests are happily dancing around them.
"Maybe four years later?" Marm holds him tight and tells him.
"Why so long? Make it in one-year time, when our baby is strong enough."
"I want to have the second baby as soon as possible." Marm smiles.
"Oh..." He doesn't expect Marm to be this excited for children. "Tell me, how can I say no to Marm?"
"Thank you." Marm hugs him completely, "To me, we have already got married tonight."
"Don't cry, love." Hyunkel wipes her tears gently. "I want to make you cry later, on our bed." He smiles cunningly.
They make love passionately that night. He can't hold back as Marm is more beautiful and seductive in the engagement party than ever.
They are naked on the bed and he is deeply asleep, circling Marm in his arms. Marm leans close to him, listens to his heart beat. She is fully awaked, can't love him and the baby enough.
Nobody knows that Marm is cursed by the most ancient spell that Leon put on the short royal sword of Papunika. Through Ella's recommendation, Marm has temporarily delayed the curse affect.
"Four-year is the longest time you can postpone." Ella said. "By end of the forth year, the curse will be free. If you are not carrying any baby at that time, it will target on yourself."
So Marm knows, the same nightmare won't come back anymore. Their baby will be born healthy. If Hyunkel and her are lucky, they can have one more baby before the timeline of four years.
After that... Marm kisses Hyunkel when he is asleep, with the thinking running in her mind. After that... It's the part when I have to leave.
The End.
P.S:
Dear all,
Thanks for your supports. For Papunika Story, it's about everything that happens in Papunika (even the flashback of Hyunkel and Marm in the Immortal Army).
Compared to the beginning of the story, our characters have developed their relationships, their careers, their new perspectives of life and have moved on in certain ways.
The new endeavours of them will not only happen in Papunika anymore because some will move to Romos, Teran and Benga. Hence, what happen next will be more suitable to be continued in new story that I'm writing.
See you soon!
Thanks very much!
XOXO